Health State Minister Anifa Kawooya has raised concerns over the stalled construction of 52 staff housing units at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, saying the project has failed to show visible progress despite billions of shillings in public funding.
Minister of State for Health (General Duties) Anifa Kawooya said she had engaged the State House Anti-Corruption Unit over the project during an inspection visit to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, where she assessed service delivery, met hospital managers and staff, and inspected ongoing infrastructure projects.
According to Kawooya, the government allocated Shs6.229 billion in 2014 for the construction of 52 staff housing units at the hospital. The project was initially expected to be completed in 2017.
However, disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic subsequently affected the project, leading to revisions in both its cost and completion schedule. The revised completion date was set for March 2023.
Kawooya said she was concerned that, despite the public investment and additional time granted for completion, there was currently no visible progress at the project site.
“Regrettably, despite the significant public investment and the extension granted, there is currently no visible progress on the ground,” Kawooya said, describing the situation as a serious concern for accountability and the management of public resources.
The minister said she had since contacted the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, whose leadership assured her that the unit would provide an update on the matter after taking interest in the project.
“We look forward to a thorough investigation and appropriate action to ensure accountability for any misuse of government funds,” she said.
The concerns add another layer of scrutiny to the management of public infrastructure projects in the health sector, where delays and stalled works can affect not only the value derived from government expenditure but also the working conditions of health professionals.
Staff accommodation is particularly important for regional referral hospitals, which depend on doctors, nurses, specialists and other health workers to provide round-the-clock services. Delays in delivering such infrastructure can make it harder for facilities to attract and retain staff, particularly in areas outside Kampala.
Despite the concerns surrounding the housing project, Kawooya commended Gulu Regional Referral Hospital management and staff for maintaining healthcare services amid operational challenges.
She said her discussions with the hospital’s top management and departmental heads, together with a tour of various sections of the facility, showed that the hospital was making significant efforts to serve patients.
Kawooya praised the staff for their commitment and dedication to providing healthcare services to the people of Uganda.
The minister said the government would continue to strengthen healthcare infrastructure while tightening accountability mechanisms to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.
The outcome of the Anti-Corruption Unit’s review could determine what happened to the stalled housing project, whether additional funds were released, and whether any individuals or entities should be held accountable for the project’s failure to progress.
